The goalkeeper, who missed all of last season through injury, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Rothosen.

"If you can get a 27-year-old Germany international goalkeeper on a free transfer, then this is a special opportunity, which we have capitalised on," Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen enthused on the club's official website.

"I hope that by performing well with us, he can earn a recall to the national team."

Adler, for his part, is just looking forward to getting back on the field after his injury nightmare.

"I absolutely think that I will emerge stronger from the last year," he declared. "It was a tough time and I had many lows during my rehab, but in the end it has all paid off. I now feel fit and ready."